Before we get too introspective about it all, let’s just say: It is a business. Starting prices vary from around $250 to $500 and most bookings include professional makeup and sometimes hair styling before the session. Although many of their clients are brides-to-be, the photographers we talked to have requests all year round. If you’re interested, it would make sense to book a session before or after wedding season is in full swing.

Some shooters specialize in the trend, many straightforward wedding photographers are open to the idea of it, but some will pass you along to others rather than take you on unwrapped. One anonymous lens crafter we spoke to said, “Every boudoir session I’ve scheduled included a million and one emails and phone calls and questions, and then half of them got nervous and cancelled.” You won’t do that, right?

Bottom line: the shooters in our show are passionate about making women—and men; yeah, that’s happening—look and feel their best. Check out our images and interviews for more.